BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing

The following qualifications are required: 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, which must include English Language and two science subjects (one of which must be Maths or key/basic skills Level 2 application of number), plus two other subjects. Equivalent qualifications may be acceptable but must be approved by the RCVS. In addition any of the following either separately or in combination:

2 or 3 'A' level passes to give a minimum of 200 points, to include a biological science, or their equivalent in terms of an AVCE or BTEC National Diploma with MMP (= 200 points) or BTEC National Certificate with DM (= 200 points), or any equivalent qualification/s from other countries.

The College also welcomes applications from students on Level 3 Diploma programmes (with a Distinction profile) and Level 3 Extended Diploma programmes (with a Merit profile), introduced as part of the recent nationwide ‘QCF’ restructure. Applicants must spend 6-8 weeks in a small animal veterinary practice and supply written evidence from the practice that this has been achieved. Applications will not be approved until this evidence has been received by admissions. (Note: work in kennels, cattery or pet shop will not satisfy these criteria). Applicants holding non-UK qualifications are advised to contact the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons www.rcvs.org.uk) to confirm their eligibility to enrol. A test of English Language will be required at 7.0 grade in IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The applicant must forward evidence of eligibility to the College prior to acceptance on the course.

First Year

• Applied Anatomy and Physiology: The module will encompass the relevant sections of the RCVS Professional syllabus relating to the anatomy and physiology of dogs, cats and exotic species. 
• Animal Health Management: This module will cover the principles of animal nursing and management. The RCVS Professional syllabus will be used as a guideline to the module content. 
• Essential Veterinary Nursing Skills: This module will equip students with the necessary nursing skills to work efficiently in a veterinary practice environment and enable them to develop practical competency. 
• Nursing Support Provision in Veterinary Practice: This module will cover the maintenance of the clinical environment and equipment and the provision of support to veterinary surgeons performing clinical procedures. 
• Personal and Professional Development 1: This module will enable students to develop and apply their knowledge of working within the organisational context of veterinary nursing provision. Students will develop their capacity for self-management and effective communication and IT and study skills. 
• Personal and Professional Development 2: This module will enable students to reflect and learn from their experiences within their veterinary practice to enhance their personal and professional development. Completion of the module will enable students to make effective use of learning opportunities on other modules of study and in the workplace.

• Students will work in practice as a member of the veterinary team developing veterinary nursing skills and compiling evidence of competency as prescribed by the RCVS. During this time they will be supported by the practice placement officer, course tutor, personal tutor and practice assessor.

• Applied Veterinary Nursing Care: This module will include theoretical and practical application of the administration of nursing care to patients. 
• Principles and Practice of Veterinary Diagnostics: This module will facilitate practical competence in the important field of diagnostic medicine, including radiography and laboratory techniques. 
• Veterinary Surgical Theatre Practice and Anaesthesia: This module will equip the student with a sound knowledge of surgical techniques, theatre practice, pain relief and modern anaesthetics. 
• Principles of Pharmacology and Pharmacy: This module will cover basic pharmacology and dispensing of medicines commonly used in veterinary practice. 
• The Research Process: This module will develop the student's knowledge of the research methodology and the use of information technology to support the research process. 
• Student Initiated Module - Veterinary Nursing: This will enable students to undertake an area of veterinary nursing study which is of specific interest.

• Double Dissertation: This module will allow the student to demonstrate the ability to work independently and produce a substantial piece of work. The dissertation must have an underpinning theoretical framework and must be placed in an academic context. 
• Information Giving in Professional Practice: The aim of this module is to encourage professional communication through the promotion of communication skills, information giving skills and the development of professional role models of leadership, mentorship and supervision.